Random pattern radome structure



Nov. 3, 1964 c. J. SCHMIDT 3,154,837

RANDOM PATTERN RADOME STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 4, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ByCLARENCE J. SCHMIDT WMM ATTORNEY RANDOM PATTERN RADOME STRUCTURE 2Sheets-Sheet 2 CLARENCE J. SCHMIDT ATTORNEY c. J. SCHMIDT 3,154,887

United States Patent 3,154,$87 RANDOM PATTERN RADUME STRUCTURE @iarence.I. fichmidt, Cuyahoga Falis, Ohio, assignor to Goodyear AerospaceCorporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed. Dec. 4, 195?, Ser. No.857,347 Claims. (Cl. 50-52) This invention relates to substantiallyspherical enclosures and is particularly useful in housing radarapparatus and similar equipment.

It has been proposed heretofore to enclose radar or other scanningequipment or apparatus adapted to have arcuate sweep movement in aplurality of planes Within substantially spherical enclosures. However,it has been found that where such enclosures are employed for sendingand receiving signals and include a lattice-work frame or grid of metalhaving parallel or continuous reaches or elements of metal such a frameor grid causes absorption, refraction, deflection or distortion of thesignals sent and received. Where such structures are to be of largesize, a metal framework is almost essential.

The present invention aims to overcome the foregoing and otherdifficulties by providing a metal frame structure in which thestructural segments are neither parallel nor continuous in direction.

It is an object of the invention to provide a metal framework comprisinga minimum number of sizes and shapes of m tallic structural segments soassembled as to provide a substantially spherical structure in which thesegments are neither parallel nor continuous in direction.

Another object is to provide such a structure in which the structuralsegments may be assembled in a number of similar constructionsubassemblies or basic frames of interchangeable nature.

Still another object is to provide such a structure in which thestructural segments are arranged in triangular assembly to enclosetriangular spaces of a minimum number of sizes and shapes which may becovered by panels of a minimum number of sizes and shapes.

A still further object is to provide a structure of preformed blocksunited in edge to edge arrangement by independent metallic fasteningmeans, the blocks being of non-metallic material.

Other objects are to provide a strong self-supporting structure, toprovide for ease of assembly, and to provide simplicity of structure.

These and other objects will appear from the following description andthe accompanying drawings.

Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan View of a spherical enclosure having its surfacedivided into sixty congruous spherical isosceles triangles.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the same intersected by a horizontal baseplane.

FIG. 3 is a face view showing in dot and dash lines one of the isoscelestriangles of FIGS. 1 and 2 and superimposed thereon a diagrammaticrepresentation of an assembly of structural segments providing arepetitive surface pattern.

FIGURE 4 shows five basic frames arranged to fit together as defined byfive spherical isosceles triangles which define a spherical pentagon;and

FIGURE 5 illustrates how three basic frames are joined at their cornersto cover the corners defined by the spherical isosceles triangles.

Referring to the drawings, and first to FIGS. 1 and 2, these show aspherical surface 1 having its surface evenly divided into congruousisosceles triangles. Division of the surface is accomplished by dividingthe surface into twelve congruous spherical pentagons Whose corners aredesignates by the letter I. These points may be determined byconstructing within the sphere a pentagonal dodecahedron having all itscorners in the spherical surface and connecting the points common to thespere and the dodecahedron by great circle arcs. By then establishing apoint 0 equidistant from the corners I of each spherical pentagon and atthe writer of such pentagon and connecting the point .0 with each cornerI by great circle arcs the pentagon will be divided to provide fivecongruous spherical isosceles triangles each having its apex 'at thecenter. Q and its base at a side 1-1 of the spherical pentagon. It willalso be noted that there are siX of such isosceles triangles groupedabout each point I and that the angles of the triangles adjacent point Iare, all equal. To locate beams along the construction lines O-I wouldinterfere with radar transmission and reception and to promiscuousiyassemble beams without a definite plan might overcome that diflicultybut would not result in a structure accomplishing elimination ofinterference by use of a minimum number of sizes of frame members.

It has been found, however, that the dodecahedral arrangement of thereference points 0 and I is an ideal one from which to locate anassembly of frame members or structural segments which may be handled asa subassembly or a basic frame and which will have a non-continuous andnon-parallel arrangement of frame members or structural segments. Thenon-continuous and non-parallel arrangement may be accomplished byconnecting points 0 and positions near points I by a series ofconsecutive arcs arranged in different directions and should such seriesbe extended from point 0 in five directions equally spaced apart andeach series being angularly positioned equally with respect to thelocating lines 0-1 the basic frames constructed between these lines willbe alike and interchangeable. Five such interchangeable basic frameswill completely fill the space about each point O but the radially outerends of these subassemblies must also be made t intenlit about points I.Referring to FIG. 3, it will be apparent that points A and A may be laidout equidistant from O with point A oitset laterally in the samedirection the same distance from line OI as A is from line 0-1. Point Band B may be chosen equidistant from point 0 and on lines 0-1 and O-drespectively. Points C and C may be spaced equidistant from point 0 andequally spaced in the same direction from lines O-I and 0-1. Similarly Dand D are equidistant from point 0 and equally spaced in the samedirection from lines OJ and 0-1. By construction meandering line OABC-Dmust fit line OA'-B'-D' of a similar basic frame adjacent thereto andhaving point 0 in common.

Now a point E may be established so that distance E-I equals distanceD'I and the point E being the same distance below line L1 as the point Dis above that line. Then points F and G are established at equaldistance below and above line I-I' and the point P being the samedistance from point I as G is from point I. Then by drawing connectingarcs DE, E-F, F-G, and 6-D the remaining boundary of the basic framewill be such that it will interfit a similar basic frame located in theadjacent isosceles triangle having the base 1-1 in common and its apexat the next reference point 0. The basic frame may be subdivided intotriangles as shown in FIG. 3 preferably in such a manner as to requirethe least number of lengths of lines.

In order to continue subdivision such that no continuous lines willextend about the spherical surface, an arc 0-0 may be drawn bisectingthe angle I-O-I. A point H may be selected on line (3-0 at a greaterdistance from point 0 than points B, B and arcs BH, B'H, AH and G-H maybe drawn. A point I is established such that are 1-6 is parallel to are1-1 and are F-] is parallel to are 0-O'. Then arcs C-i, 3-], H] and E]are drawn. This divide the basic frame into triangular di- 3 visions, inwhich the divisions are such that a minimum number of arcuate framemember lengths or structural segments would be required for itsconstruction.

In other words each respective basic frame is defined by two legs and abase line outlining one of five similar imaginary spherical isoscelestriangles which five triangles with the apices of their legs joined at acommon point define one of twelve similar imaginary spherical pentagonswhich pentagons together define an imaginary spherical dodecahedron ofthe size desired for the enclosure.

As assembly of such basic frames will completely cover the sphericalsurface except for a small triangular area about points I-I'. Each basicframe comprises a framework of bars corresponding in position and lengthto the solid lines of FIG. 3 superimposed over each or" the triangularareas of the sphere to provide a complete nonparallel sphericalframework of which no element are continuous in direction when assembledwith similar basic frames, as shown in FIGURE 5, with the remainingspaces about points I, I being enclosed in the assembly by frame membersof adjacent subassemblies. The details, per se, of the framework,whether flanged, welded, bolted, etc, form no part of the presentinvention and need not be described in detail to the man skilled in theart.

Where it is desired to avoid use of frame members or structuralsegments, triangular modules of material such as fiber reinforcedplastic may be constructed corresponding in shape and size to thetriangular subdivisions of a basic frame and these may be bolted orotherwise secured to each other in edge to edge relation to provide thebasic frames. The details of such assembly form no part, per se, of thepresent invention, are old in the art, and are shown, for example, inF168. and 19 of US. Patent No. 2,918,992. The basic frames so formed maybe secured to each other in edge to edge relation to make a completeenclosure except for the triangular space about points i and I. Separatemodules having the shape of the areas containing points land I may beformed and united to the basic frames to close these openings.

While a complete spherical enclosure has been described, where theenclosure is to be used as a room it will usually be to an advantage toprovide an enclosure having greater fioor space and less height. Forthis purpose that part of the sphere above a desired intersectinghorizontal plane P may be constructed as shown in FIG. 2 and the basicframes of the lower course would be trimmed at the plane P or soconstructed as not to extend below it.

While a certain representative embodiment and details have been shownfor the purpose of illustrating the invention it will be apparent tothose skilled in this art that various changes and modifications may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a substantially spherically shaped enclosure the combination of aplurality of basic frames rigidly connected and defining an enclosureassembly,

each respective basic frame defined by two legs and a base lineoutlining one of five similar imaginary spherical isosceles triangleswhich five triangles with the apices of their legs joined at a commonpoint together define one of twelve similar imaginary sphericalpentagons which pentagons together define an imaginary sphericaldodecahedron of the size desired for said enclosure,

each respective basic frame of said enclosure assembly comprising aplurality of structural segments representing consecutive arcs with theterminals of the segments defined by points on the surface of saidimaginary spherical dodecahedron and with each segment lying in adifferent plane,

a first group of said structural segments defining one side of saidrespective basic frame by being joined in end to end relationoriginating from the apex of the legs of said one imaginary sphericalisosceles triangle and directed substantially along one leg with eachsegment crossing said one leg at an angle,

a second group of said structural segments defining the other side ofsaid respective basic frame by being joined in end to end relationshipand defining exactly the same relationship to the other leg of said onespherical isosceles triangle as said first group of said structuralsegments defines with said one leg,

a third group of said structural segments defining substantially onehalf the base to said respective basic frame by being joined in end toend relationship and connecting the end of said first group ofstructural segments defining said one side of said respective basicframe at the point of bisection of the base line to said one imaginaryspherical isosceles triangle,

a fourth group of said structural segments defining substantially theother half of said base of said respective basic frame by being joinedin end to end relationship and defining the opposite relationship tosaid other half of said base line of said one imaginary sphericalisosceles triangle as said third group of said structural segmentsdefines with said one half of said base line, and

mean connecting said plurality of said basic frames rigidly togetheralong common edges to complete said enclosure assembly with each of saidrespective basic frames disposed with one of said sides and bases beingalong each leg and each base line respectively of each of said isoscelestriangles of at least one of said spherical pentagons to provide saidonclosure assembly substantially spherically shaped.

2. A substantially spherically shaped enclosure according to claim 1where electronic transparent material means are secured to said basicframes which encloses said enclosure assembly.

3. A substantially spherically shaped enclosure according to claim 1wherein said segments connecting the third and fourth groups ofstructural segments to the point of bisection of the base line to saidone imaginary spherical isosceles triangle are a single arc segmentcommon to these two segment groups.

4. In a substantially spherically shaped enclosure the combination of aplurality of basic frames rigidly connected and defining an enclosureassembly,

each respective basic frame defined by two legs and a base lineoutlining one of five similar imaginary spherical isosceles triangleswhich five triangles with the apices of their legs joined at a commonpoint together define one of twelve similar imaginary sphericalpentagons which pentagons together define an imaginary sphericaldodecahedron of the size desired for said enclosure,

each respective basic frame of said enclosure assembly comprising aplurality of structural segments representing consecutive arcs with theterminals of the segments defined by points on the surface of saidimaginary spherical dodecahedron,

a first group of said structural segments connected together end to enddefining one side of said respective basic frame by originating from theapex of the legs of said one imaginary spherical isosceles triangle andextending generally along one leg thereof, so that each segment of saidone group makes an oblique angle to the segments connected to its endsand further so that each segment intersects said one leg,

at second group of structural segments having the same relationship tosaid other leg of said one imaginary spherical isosceles triangle assaid first group of structural segments has to said one a third group ofsaid structural segments defining substantially one half the base tosaid respective basic frame by connecting said segments in end to endrelationship originating from the end of said first group of segmentsand terminating at the point of bisection of the base line to said oneimaginary spherical isosceles triangle so that the segments of saidthird group make oblique angles to each other,

a fourth group of structural segments defining substantially the otherhalf of the base to said respective basic frame and having the oppositerelationship to said second group of segments and the other half of saidbase line as said third group of segments has to said first group ofsegments, and

means connecting said plurality of said basic frames together alongcommon edges to complete the enclosure assembly with each of saidrespective basic frames disposed With one of said sides and bases beingalong each leg and each base line respectively of each of said isoscelestriangles of at least one of said References Cited by the ExaminerUNITED STATES PATENTS 1,976,188 10/34 Nozawa 5O52 2,918,992 12/59Gelsavage 52 X 2,978,704 4/61 Cohen et a1. 50--52 FOREIGN PATENTS 60,41912/42 Denmark.

OTHER REFERENCES Pp. 245, 247 and 249, April 1958, Architectural Record.

JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner. WILLIAM I. MUSHAKE, EARL J.WlTMER,

Examiners.

1. IN A SUBSTANTIALLY SPHERICALLY SHAPED ENCLOSURE THE COMBINATION OF APLURALITY OF BASIC FRAMES RIGIDLY CONNECTED AND DEFINING AN ENCLOSUREASSEMBLY, EACH RESPECTIVE BASIC FRAME DEFINED BY TWO LEGS AND A BASELINE OUTLINING ONE OF FIVE SIMILAR IMAGINARY SPHERICAL ISOSCELESTRIANGLES WHICH FIVE TRIANGLES WITH THE APICES OF THEIR LEGS JOINED AT ACOMMON POINT TOGETHER DEFINE ONE OF TWELVE SIMILAR IMAGINARY SPHERICALPENTAGONS WHICH PENTAGONS TOGETHER DEFINE AN IMAGINARY SPHERICALDODECAHEDRON OF THE SIZE DESIRED FOR SAID ENCLOSURE, EACH RESPECTIVEBASIC FRAME OF SAID ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A PLURALITY OFSTRUCTURAL SEGMENTS REPRESENTING CONSECUTIVE ARCS WITH THE TERMINALS OFTHE SEGMENTS DEFINED BY POINTS ON THE SURFACE OF SAID IMAGINARYSPHERICAL DODECAHEDRON AND WITH EACH SEGMENT LYING IN A DIFFERENT PLANE,A FIRST GROUP OF SAID STRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFINING ONE SIDE OF SAIDRESPECTIVE BASIC FRAME BY BEING JOINED IN END TO END RELATIONORIGINATING FROM THE APEX OF THE LEGS OF SAID ONE IMAGINARY SPHERICALISOSCELES TRIANGLE AND DIRECTED SUBSTANTIALLY ALONG ONE LEG WITH EACHSEGMENT CROSSING SAID ONE LEG AT AN ANGLE, A SECOND GROUP OF SAIDSTRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFINING THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID RESPECTIVE BASICFRAME BY BEING JOINED IN END TO END RELATIONSHIP AND DEFINING EXACTLYTHE SAME RELATIONSHIP TO THE OTHER LEG OF SAID ONE SPHERICAL ISOSCELESTRIANGLE AS SAID FIRST GROUP OF SAID STRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFINES WITHSAID ONE LEG, A THIRD GROUP OF SAID STRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFININGSUBSTANTIALLY ONE HALF THE BASE TO SAID RESPECTIVE BASIC FRAME BY BEINGJOINED IN END TO END RELATIONSHIP AND CONNECTING THE ENDOF SAID FIRSTGROUP OF STRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFINING SAID ONE SIDE OF SIDE RESPECTIVEBASIC FRAME AT THE POINT OF BISECTION OF THE BASE LINE TO SAID ONEIMAGINARY SPHERICAL ISOSCELES TRIANGLE, A FOURTH GROUP OF SAIDSTRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFINING SUBSTANTIALLY THE OTHER HALF OF SAID BASEOF SAID RESPECTIVE BASIC FRAME BY BEING JOINED IN END TO ENDRELATIONSHIP AND DEFINING THE OPPOSITE RELATIONSHIP TO SAID OTHER HALFOF SAID BASE LINE OF SAID ONE IMAGINARY SPHERICAL ISOSCELES TRIANGLE ASSAID THIRD GROUP OF SAID STRUCTURAL SEGMENTS DEFINES WITH SAID ONE HALFOF SAID BASE LINE, AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID PLURALITY OF SAID BASICFRAMES RIGIDLY TOGETHER ALONG COMMON EDGES TO COMPLETE SAID ENCLOSUREASSEMBLY WITH EACH OF SAID RESPECTIVE BASIC FRAMES DISPOSED WITH ONE OFSAID SIDES AND BASES BEING ALONG EACH LEG AND EACH BASE LINERESPECTIVELY OF EACH OF SAID ISOSCELES TRIANGLES OF AT LEAST ONE OF SAIDSPHERICAL PENTAGONS TO PROVIDE SAID ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY SUBSTANTIALLYSPHERICALLY SHAPED.